"Marriage should be a duet - when one sings, the other claps."- Joe Murray

Greg Housel and April Housel (was Fredman)October 5, 2002

Allegany Expeditions

Take a canoe trip on the Potomac River. Darrell Spence at Allegany Expeditions will help you design a trip including door-to-door transportation and lunch. Guided and unguided trips are available. You'll get a unique perspective on nature from your canoe.

Visit an artists' colony. Just 25 minutes away in Grantsville is the Spruce Forest Artisan Village. The Village houses an outstanding mix of artists studios. You can see the artists in action, and maybe take home a treasure.

The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD. The canal operated from 1828-1924 as a transportation route, primarily hauling coal from western Maryland to the port of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of original structures, including locks, lockhouses, and aqueducts, serve as reminders of the canal's role as a transportation system during the Canal Era. In addition, the canal's towpath provides a nearly level, continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley. Every year millions of visitors come to hike or bike the C&O Canal in order to enjoy the natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities available.

Experience the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Not far from Cumberland stands one of Mr. Wright's most noted works: Fallingwater. The setting is incomparable and their tours are highly informative. We can make all the arrangements for your visit.

Explore the Paw-Paw tunnel. Just 35 minutes away is a little known engineering landmark of the 1800's. Carved through solid rock, the 2 mile tunnel makes an unforgettable walk. Bring flashlights and sturdy shoes.

Have an encounter with an Eagle. Ride the Potomac Eagle scenic railway in Romney, WV and you are virtually assured of sighting at least one American Bald Eagle. The train passes several nesting sites and there is an outdoor observation car for taking pictures. We highly recommend you book seats on the special club car or indoor observation car for maximum comfort on the journey.

Shoot the Rapids. The folks at Precision Rafting in nearby Friendsville will take you on the ride of your life on the outstanding whitewater rivers of Maryland. They have packages to suit both beginners and experts, and their guides are the best in the area. Once you try it, you're hooked!

A local institution since 1918. You want a local hotdog? Go there and order one with everything. On your dog you'll get: brown mustard, meat sauce (the secret), and chopped onion. It's a taste of Cumberland.

When I go home, Coney Island and D'Atri's Italian Restaurant are two must stops for me.
D'Atri's is known for their fantastic steak subs (highly recommend that you try one). However, they also have a wide selection of Italian specialties that are sure to please anyone's appetite!

Mountain Thunder...is more than a nickname. It's the perfect way to describe the experience offered by the Western Maryland Scenic
Railroad!
Our restored early 20th century rolling stock steams through the mountains of Western Maryland on a stunning 32 mile round trip between Cumberland and Frostburg from May through December.
The trip covers a 1,300 foot change in elevation. You'll see tunnels and bridges and catch glimpses of scenery hidden for decades. More than three hundred years of American history
are tied together by a ribbon of steel that thrills riders of all ages.
In addition to daytime scenic excursions, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad also offers Dinner and Murder Mystery evening excursions for an entertaining night out.

Visit the wild side of Maryland. Do you like to experience the outdoors in state parks? How about 7 distinctly different parks within a 1 hour drive of Cumberland? From the more developed Rocky Gap State Forest to the totally virgin areas of Green Ridge State Park, Western Maryland is an outdoor lovers paradise.